WOODLAND SEEKS TO FILL CITY COUNCIL VACANCY
The city of Woodland will accept applications to fill a vacancy on the city council until Mon., March 14, 5 p.m.
A vacancy on the council was created with the resignation of Chris Haughee who plans to move to Montana. Haughee's resignation will be effective March 8.
The term of office will begin immediately upon appointment and continue through November 2005 or until the November general election is certified.
Those serving on the Woodland city council must be at least 18 years of age, a registered voter, and a resident of the city of Woodland for at least 12 months prior to appointment.
The person appointed will serve until the November 2005 general election. The person elected at that time then will serve out Haughee's term which ends Dec. 31, 2007.
Applications are available at City of Woodland Annex, 230 Davidson Ave., Woodland. Applications must be received by the city by March 14, not postmarked that date.
Information is available by calling clerk-treasurer Mari Ripp, 225-8281.
RIDGEFIELD INKS CITY MANAGER ACCORD
Council ok's monthly salary of $9,700 plus perks
Bill Myers, staff reporter
Ridgefield city council members unanimously ratified an employment agreement Feb. 25 that will start city manager George Fox at $9,700 per month.
The four-year accord is effective March 1, 2005 through Feb. 28, 2009. It gives Fox immediate credit for 480 hours of sick leave and 160 hours of vacation leave, and a $650 monthly car and cellphone allowance.
The agreement lifts Fox's salary on Oct. 1, 2005 to $10,000 a month if he remains in good standing. It provides for annual cost-of-living increases tracking the consumer price index.
Following annual performance reviews, Fox will be eligible for performance-based retention/incentive payments. Potential incentive payments could start in 2005 at 10 percent of 12 times monthly compensation, and climb yearly to a maximum of 17.5 percent of 12 times monthly compensation in 2008.
Fox will leave Port job
The agreement requires Fox, who earns $7,500 monthly as deputy director at the Port of Ridgefield, to terminate working for the Port and other employment relationships.
For almost a year, Fox has earned a $6,500 monthly consultant fee serving the city as interim city manager.
Fox said he hopes to continue to serve the Port as a consultant on an "as-needed" basis. He has worked at the Port for almost six years.
The agreement waives a statutory requirement that Fox live in the city of Ridgefield. He currently rents an apartment in Hazel Dell and drives home to Tacoma on weekends to be with his wife, Laura.
Fox said he plans to build a home near Ridgefield in the near future.
Council members selected Fox from a field of about 30 candidates which narrowed to Fox and Dan Sockle, a claims investigator from Vancouver.
Council members unanimously approved the agreement, contained as a consent agenda item, without debate. Other city managers
The city manager of Battle Ground, with 75 full-time employees, is paid $108,228 yearly.
The city manager of Vancouver, with 1,057 full-time employees, is paid an annual salary of $128,916.
LETTER WRITERS MAY GET THEIR WISHES--MOSTLY
Over the past month,The Reflector has published more than 30 letters from readers dealing with the upcoming March 8 school bond vote in the Battle Ground School District.
Most of the letters cited problems with existing school facilities and urged voters to approve the proposed bond packages.
Last week, school district officials said that most, but not all, of the problems cited by letter writers would be solved or mitigated by bond approval.
Here is a summary of topics raised by letter writers and comments from assistant superintendent Lynn Hicks as to whether the problems would be resolved with bond approval.
CAPTAIN STRONG ELEMENTARY
Complaint: No space for all-school assemblies, musical or drama performances. No cafeteria. Playground too small for all students. PE classes held outside or in portable classroom. Library not open to all for instruction and research.
Response:Consolidation and expansion of the Captain Strong/Umtuch schools would resolve these problems. Fifth grade would still have PE in a portable.
Complaint: No music room.
Response: School has a music room.
Complaint: Halls used for teaching spaces.
Response: Some classes use halls for "pull out" spaces, not as regular classrooms. Some use of halls for this purpose will continue, but less than at present.
Complaint: Large class sizes.
Response: Classes currently have 25-27 students, which is typical districtwide and not likely to change with bond approval.
Complaint: Portable classrooms interfere with open fields, PE classes and youth sports.
Response: Some older portables may be moved away, while others will remain.
Complaint: Built for 604 students, but has 805.
Response: Captain Strong, Chief Umtuch, Lewisville Middle have current capacity for 1,524 students. With bond approval, the three schools could house 1,565, and increase of 41 students. Two new schools would take away some students.
GLENWOOD PRIMARY
Complaint: Air quality problems.
Response: Heating and cooling systems will be rebuilt.
Complaint: Built to house 539 students, has 720. Psychologist has office in a closet. Art teacher has no classroom, and moves between rooms with a cart. Cafeteria in a portable. Too many portable classrooms.
Response: These problems would not be resolved. No additional space would be constructed at Glenwood.
Complaint: Septic system is at maximum capacity.
Response: Existing septic system not at maximum capacity. System can accommodate 10 more portables.
LAURIN MIDDLE SCHOOL
Complaint: Students walk to Glenwood to use cafeteria.
Response: Cafeteria would be constructed.
Complaint: Computer lab converted to classroom. Septic system at maximum capacity.
Response: No changes planned in these areas.
PLEASANT VALLEY PRIMARY, MIDDLE
Complaint: Need heating and cooling improvements.
Response: Heating and cooling improvements included in bond.
Complaint: Classroom used as a lunchroom.
Response: No change included in Bond.
PRAIRIE HIGH SCHOOL
Complaint: Four classes permanently housed in portables.
Response: Only one portable at Prairie and it is used for day care. No change planned.
Complaint: Dilapidated seats in auditorium. Roof worn out, track worn out.
Response: Auditorium seats, roof and track would be repaired/replaced.
MAPLE GROVE PRIMARY
Complaint: Build for 410 students, currently houses 908. 20 classrooms held in portables. Hallways contain a maze of cubicles. No open access to media center.
Response: These problems should be mitigated as a second new K-8 school opens in fall 2008 and students are drawn from Maple Grove.
CHIEF UMTUCH PRIMARY
Complaint: Built to accommodate 20 classrooms but has 30. Students eat lunch in classrooms. Heating and air conditioning are inconsistent. Built for 401 students but has 790.
Response: Chief Umtuch will be rebuilt as part of Captain Strong, and these problems will be resolved. Over 100 students would remain in portable classrooms in Umtuch/Strong/Lewisville complex.
AMBOY MIDDLE SCHOOL
Complaint: Septic system is at maximum capacity.
Response: Septic system will be reconstructed as school is enlarged.
LEWISVILLE MIDDLE SCHOOL
Complaint: Paint is peeling, toxins are exposed.
Response: Lewisville would no longer be used for classrooms with bond approval. School would be rebuilt on the site of Chief Umtuch when that school is torn down.
General comments
Several letter writers complained about schools being over capacity.
The combined capacities of Chief Umtuch, Captain Strong and Lewisville is considered to be 1,524, but 2,363 student currently attend these schools.
With bond approval, these three schools would be reconstructed to have a capacity for 1,565 students, an increase of 41.
Hicks said that K-8 student capacity districtwide is currently 6,135 students, not counting portable classrooms.
With approval of Bond Packages A and b, K-8 student capacity in the district would reach 8,194 students.
Current K-8 enrollment is 7,541. Enrollment in K-8 is expected to reach 8,701 by 2009, leaving about 500 students in portable classrooms.
Several writers complained about the reliance on portable classrooms, and their interference with open space used for PE and youth sports.
Hicks said officials are uncertain how many of the current 118 portables might not be needed following bond approval. She said the future of portables depends on the rate of growth over the next few years.
Hicks said the oldest portable classrooms would be demolished, but most would remain.
Hicks was uncertain if the new Lewisville Middle School would have any portable classrooms when it opens.
Another bond?
Hicks deferred questions about the future need for another bond to school board members.
Hicks can be reached at 887-5305.
EVERGREEN TO BUILD FOURTH HIGH SCHOOL
Marcus Brotherton, staff reporter
A new high school is slated for the east end of the Evergreen School District, near NE 202nd Ave. (also called NW Friberg St.) and NE 1st St. in the vicinity of Illahee Elementary and Shahala Middle School.
The schools will become the fourth, full-scale high school for the 25,000 student district. Other high schools are Heritage, Evergreen and Mt. View, as well as several alternative programs.
Projected costs for construction--including permits, design fees and interior furnishings--is $52 million, said District facilities director Reg Martinson. The figure does not include land costs. No cost-per-square foot breakdown was available.
The project is funded by bond money approved by Evergreen voters in May 2002. The District's annual budget is about $183 million.
Construction is set to begin in August, with occupancy set for fall 2007.
Current projections show the school will begin with about 1,630 students, Martinson said, but expects numbers to fluctuate fluctuate at first because some seniors will opt to finish their high school careers at current schools.
New boundary lines have not been set yet, but school district officials expect the school to draw students from an area bordered by about SE 20th St. on the south, NE 162nd Ave. with a jog over to NE 137th Ave. in the west, NE 99th Ave. in the north and stretching to the Hockinson and Camas school district borders in the northeast and east sections.
The new, 235,000 square foot school will feature five main buildings plus storage facilities with a core facility capacity for about 1,600 students. Another 23,000 square feet of accessory buildings will also be on site.
The other three high schools will be stabilized at about 1,900 students each, Martinson said. The new high school will eventually have about 1,900 students as east county population fills in.
Space for four portables, each containing four classrooms, is initially planned on the 50-acre site, but portables are not expected to appear until a few years after construction is finished, Martinson said.
Main buildings will be two-story structures with classrooms, science areas, commons, media, music and art rooms, technology classrooms, administration areas, a theater, gymnasiums and locker rooms.
Baseball and softball fields, soccer fields, tennis courts, a running track with football space in the middle, fitness track, and a football practice field are part of the project.
Covered seating areas for varsity baseball and softball fields are being considered--perhaps funded by private means, Martinson said.
Clark County records show access to the school will be off NE 202nd Ave. which is set for improvements. Roadway improvements for SE 1st St. are underway as part of a capital improvement project by the City of Camas.
Vancouver-based firm LSW Architects is designing the school. No contractor has been named.
Martinson said the design will center around smaller learning groups. One focus will be to have all youths go through their high school career together with the same group of teachers.
YACOLT FILLS COUNCIL POST
Bill Myers, staff reporter
Cindy Marbut was sworn in as a Yacolt town council member Feb. 7 at town hall.
Clerk Brenda Finnegan administered the oath of office.
Council members approved Marbut's appointment to position 5 in January.
That position was vacated by Jim Weldon last October when council members selected Weldon to replace retiring mayor Jim Robertson.
Marbut, a corporate trainer for Walgreen's Drug Stores, lives in Yacolt with her husband, Bill. They have three grown children.
If they choose to retain their posts for the remaining two years of the terms, Marbut and Weldon must be candidates in the November 2005 general election.
FISH COUNTS RISE IN CEDAR CREEK
State official credits work by Fish First volunteers
Bill Myers, staff reporter
According to state Fish and Wildlife counts, returning salmon in Salmon Creek are four times what they were in 1998-1999.
A recent letter from Fish and Wildlife representative John Weinheimer to Fish First volunteer Dick Dyrland said adult coho counts at traps near the Cedar Creek Grist Mill went from 195 in 1998-1999 to 883 in 2003-2004.
Coho counts at traps do not include 30 to 40 percent of fish that bypass traps, said Weinheimer.
Steelhead and cutthroat data were not available for 2003-2004, but were trending upward in recent years.
Department workers are also counting smolts. Estimated populations of coho fry have climbed from 24,138 in 2001 to 36,853 in 2003. Steelhead smolt counts, at 3,565 in 2001, were 3,621 in 2004.
The "bottom line," said Weinheimer, is that habitat improvements in Cedar Creek are "making a difference."
They have brains
Fish First founder Gary Loomis said a nutrient program, which involves placing dead salmon in upstream habitats, along with other habitat projects, have had a significant impact on fish counts.
Nutrients from decaying fish, a natural part of stream eco systems for thousands of years, make streams attractive to spawning fish, said Loomis.
"Adult salmon have brains," said Loomis.
Instinctively, female fish will move to bodies of water that will be healthy for their offspring, he said.
Fish First volunteers began placing thousands of "excess fish" carcasses donated by Fish and Wildlife officials at upstream locations of the Lewis River and Cedar Creek in 1998.
Other habitat improvements by Fish First volunteers have included log and rock placements to enhance environments for spawning fish and fry, and tree plantings to shade streams.
FIRE DISTRICT 3 GETS RESCUE RAM
Alice Perry Linker, staff reporter
A generous donation from an anonymous benefactor has allowed Fire District 3 in Hockinson to purchase two rescue tools.
"We feel real fortunate to have received this donation," said chief Steve Wrightson about the $1,000 memorial gift.
The 14-inch Rescue Ram can extend to 41 inches and is powered by a hydraulic system. It is powerful enough to push a dashboard away from a person trapped in a vehicle.
Wrightson said the Rescue Ram is a companion to other extraction tools that cut and separate metal.
The district has purchased two Rescue Rams at about $2,000 each.
"We replaced our rescue tools about two years ago, and we've been wanting to add these," Wrightson said.
"This helps us to get people out (of vehicles) as quickly as possible," he said.
With the addition of the tool, the district now is well equipped to open crushed motor vehicles and free occupants.
Fire District 3, geographically the largest fire district in Clark County, has "quite a high percentage of accidents," Wrightson said, although the number has gone down in recent years with the addition of four-way stop signs at critical intersections.
Fire District 3 serves Hockinson, Brush Prairie, Venersborg, Heisson and Battle Ground Lake areas.
KALAMA RIVER INDUSTRIAL PARK ADDS SECOND BUILDING
Marcus Brotherton, staff reporter
Construction is nearly finished on a new building at the Kalama River Industrial Park.
The new, 30,000 square foot structure is the second building to be completed and leased on the Port of Kalama's 75-acre development property west of I-5 off exit 32.
Port spokesperson Lyndsie Winter said the Park is fast becoming a draw for national and regional industries looking to relocate.
In addition to available land, the Park features convenient truck access to the freeway. The Burlington Northern/Santa Fe and Union Pacific mainline railroads are nearby. International deep-draft shipping is available. All utilities are in place at the Park.
Plans are underway to build a third, 30,000 square-foot building as soon as the second is finished, Winter said. The third building can be configured for several tenants as well.
Port officials say the second building should be completed by early March with tenants moving in shortly thereafter. Two tenants have been secured for the site.
Nascom, Inc. will lease 10,000 square feet, plus 1,500 square feet of front office space.
Nascom manufactures magnetic alarm switches and currently has locations in Vancouver and Newberg, OR. The company will consolidate both operations at the Port, say company representatives. Nascom has about 35 employees.
Mile Marker International will lease the remaining 20,000 square feet.
Mile Marker distributes hydraulic wrenches and employs about 10 people. The company is currently located at the Port, but will move and expand into the new building.
The Port partially funded the new structure with a $200,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Rural Development Office, and $400,000 and $125,000 grants and a loan for $275,000 came from the Cowlitz County Rural Development fund.
Port officials paid the remaining balance of about $500,000 from general funds, Winter said.
BG BOARD MEMBER RETURNS FROM TSUNAMI ZONE
Marcus Brotherton, staff reporter
Battle Ground School Board member Dr. Mark Pelletier and his wife, Cathy, have returned from a two-week trip to Thailand.
In February they helped workers involved in relief efforts from the recent tsunami that devastated portions of southeast Asia.
The Pelletiers traveled to Asia with a team of 28 from International Technical Assistance Group out of Seattle.
Mark Pelletier, 52, works as executive director of Hi-Venture Ministries, a youth outreach and counseling program in Vancouver, and is a trained therapist with a background in critical incident management.
The thrust of his time in Asia was spent debriefing several dozen rescue workers who were pulled off the front lines in Indonesia, India, Sri Lanka and Thailand.
Each day "from sunrise to sundown" was spent counseling relief workers, Pelletier said.
The workers Pelletier met with were part of "first stage" relief efforts and involved with recovering bodies, locating and uniting separated family members, distributing food and water, building temporary shelters, suppressing mosquitos and interpreting.
"We saw a lot of exhausted, overwhelmed people," Pelletier said. "Yet they are also very determined."
On the trip, Pelletier distributed $10,000 donated from several sources around Battle Ground for construction of shelters, boat repair for fishermen and transportation costs for relief workers.
Part of the money also paid part of the rent on a building secured by Assistance Group members to establish a long-term counseling center for relief workers in the area.
The Pelletiers spent most of their time in an urban area, structurally undisturbed by the tsunami. They stayed in a modern, upscale hotel for about $25 per night with breakfast included.
Pelletier said merchants are begging travelers and tourists to come back to undisturbed areas; one statistic shows hotel occupancy at peak season is now only 7-15 percent.
"The tsunami is still having a harmful ripple effect--now upon the economy," Pelletier said. "People may have not lost their lives, but they're losing their jobs now."
Pelletier said there's one belief culture in southeast Asia that says if a dead body is not properly buried, its ghost haunts the area. As a result, some superstitious tourists are staying away, people believe.
Relief efforts are welcomed by regional residents, Pelletier said, yet a wry saying is also going around, "We don't need your money, we need your business."
Pelletier is confident a good response to the crisis is happening from Assistance Group members. He didn't see other efforts up close to answer for other relief organizations.
HOME OWNERSHIP CENTER CHEERS 10 YEARS
Agency helps first-time home buyers
Bill Myers, staff reporter
More than 230 volunteers and supporters of the Home Ownership Center celebrated the non-profit agency's 10th anniversary Feb. 18 in Vancouver.
The Home Ownership Center staff at 3801-A Main St., Vancouver, coaches and educates first-time home buyers.
Guests at the celebration included Vancouver mayor Royce Pollard. The keynote address was delivered by Rey Ramsey, chairman of Habitat for Humanity International.
Carol Keljo, the Center's first executive director, reflected on Center history.
Speakers zeroed in on beneficial social, psychological and economic aspects of home ownership.
Classes offered by Center workers guide participants through the entire home-purchase process, from finding a lender and realtor, to what happens at closing.
First time home buyers are usually not aware of loan programs that might increase their purchasing power. Center employees keep in touch with special loan opportunities by working with Columbia Non-Profit Housing and the state Housing Finance Commission.
Home Ownership Center executive director Richard Trefren said Center employees have guided about 5,000 first-time home buyers to home ownership since the agency opened Feb. 13, 1995. Only five have faced foreclosures.
Advice from Center staff members ranges from guidance through home purchases to counseling on mortgage defaults to helping seniors understand reverse mortgages.
Trefren said most Center funding comes from private donations.
"Most people in Clark County don't know the agency exists," said Trefren. "Our great challenge is to become more visible."
Center board member Pam Wolle, a Battle Ground area resident, said Center workers can help small and medium-size employers set up home-ownership information programs for employees.
An employee whose dream of owning a home comes true because of what an employer did will be less inclined to seek another job, said Wolle.
More information about the Home Ownership Agency is available at 690-4496 and www.homecen.org.
WAVES BRING HONKS FOR TROOPS
Bill Myers, staff reporter
Honks from passing cars north of Battle Ground signal support for U.S. Marine Sgt. Ryan Bassett and other troops abroad.
Two Lewisville seventh grade girls root for every honk. One is Ryan Bassett's sister.
On several occasions in recent weeks, motorists north of Battle Ground on NE 142nd Ave. have seen Rochelle Bassett and her friend Whitney Swenson standing next to U.S. and Marine Corps flags.
Between them, the girls hold a five-foot banner. The banner is imprinted with a request, HONK TO SUPPORT OUR SOLDIERS.
"The girls always want to get at least 50 honks before quitting," said Ryan's and Rochelle's mom, Shari Bassett-McClennan. On Feb. 21, the girls didn't stop until 100 passing motorists tapped their horns.
Ryan Bassett, a 2001 Battle Ground High School graduate and the son of Bassett-McClennan and Mark Bassett of San Francisco, CA, entered the Marines on Sept. 15, 2001. Only four days earlier, terrorists had attacked the World Trade Center and Pentagon.
Following boot camp and advanced infantry training, Bassett was stationed at the U.S. Navy base in Bangor.
In September 2004, Bassett was deployed to Iraq with the 3rd battalion, 5th Marines, a unit that would soon be in the thick of a hornet's nest called Falluja.
Bassett-McClennen says her son has lost three Marine buddies. Much of her awareness of what Marines face in Iraq comes via e-mail from other Marine Corps moms as they forward letters from sons and daughters.
An e-mail forwarded by one mother told how a little Iraqi girl saved the lives of several Marines.
In the forwarded message, a Marine gunnery sergeant said drivers in a convoy of Marine vehicles rolling through a city had to serve to avoid a little Iraqi girl.
The girl, clutching a stuffed teddy bear, sat in the middle of the road.
The sergeant recognized the little girl. Days earlier, members of his unit had given her the toy that she now held tightly against her.
The Sergeant stopped his vehicle. He approached the little girl to see if she was safe and unharmed. She appeared to be very frightened.
As he knelt to talk to the little girl, she moved over and pointed to a mine in the road.
The Sergeant suddenly realized what the girl had done. She had sat on a mine to prevent vehicles, occupied by people who had shown her kindness, from hitting it.
In recent correspondence, Bassett told his mother, "I tell you mom, after being here, I will never stress about things like cars, money, jobs. Cause all you really have is each day. So do what you can and don't waste it."
Bassett's tour of duty in Iraq is scheduled to end in June. Bassett-McClennen said her son wants to attend and complete a four-year college degree with his veteran college benefit.
SCOPING REPORT ID'S CASINO ISSUES
Bill Myers, staff reporter
A report issued Feb. 23 by a California consultant names various public concerns related to a proposed tribal casino and hotel complex at NW 319th St. and I-5.
Termed a Scoping Report and in draft form, the document is the initial step in preparing an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to evaluate impacts of the proposed tribal development.
The report was prepared by Analytical Environmental Services (AES) of Sacramento, CA.
AES was hired last year by the federal Bureau of Indian Affairs, the lead agency as leaders of the Cowlitz Indian Tribe seek trust status on about 152 acres of land west of I-5 near La Center.
Issues named in the report surfaced in written and verbal comments during an EIS scoping process. The process included a Dec. 1, 2004 public meeting in Vancouver.
Areas to be studied in the EIS include air quality, water, waste water, drainage, biological impacts, geology and soils, noise, traffic and transportation, hazards and hazardous materials, cultural and historic resources, inconsistency with current land use planning and development, visual impacts and aesthetics, and socio-economic impacts including social, tax, economic, employment, housing, property value, school, social service impacts.
The report also targets for study effects on community character, rural values, quality of life, public and emergency services, crime, law enforcement and the judicial system.
Tribal issues were also named, including historical utilization of lands by the Cowlitz Tribe, tribal ordinances and regulations, and potential impacts to other tribal casinos.
The report identifies environmental justice, including potential impacts to minority and low-income populations, as areas of concern.
Potential cumulative effects of impacts, that is noise, air quality, traffic, and crime, will also be reviewed.
The report said specific issues relating to mitigation measures, particularly traffic and socio-economic impacts on La Center, will be addressed.
AES officials expect to have a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) ready for public review in the second or third quarter of 2005, followed by a public review period of 60 days. A public hearing on the DEIS will be held during the review period.
A copy of the draft Scoping Report is available at http://reports.analyticalcorp.ne t/cowlitz/deis-scoping/.
Analytical Environmental Services may be reached at (916)-447-3479.
JONATHAN AVERY TO HEAD NEW LEGACY HOSPITAL
Jonathan Avery has become the third person appointed to head the new Legacy Salmon Creek hospital now under construction in Vancouver.
Avery has been with Legacy Health System for nine years, most recently serving as vice president of clinic operations, a post in which he is responsible for 100 physicians and nearly 400 employees working in 22 clinic and hospital locations.
Avery replaces Tom Zellers who had been named administrator at Salmon Creek.
Zellers experienced unexpected family health problems, according to Legacy spokesperson Maggie Huffman.
Huffman said Zellers needs to spend time with his family which will divert the importance and time sensitive nature of the Salmon Creek project.
"My heart goes out to Tom as he takes some time with his family," said Legacy CEO Robert Pallari. "All of us on the management team wish him well."
Zellers was named to head the new hospital after Joe Kunkel resigned from Legacy. Kunkel had led the planning and permitting phase of the new hospital and was the first named to administer the facility.
"Jonathan (Avery) is a well-respected and extremely capable executive in this organization and has the full support of the management team," said Barbara Zappas, senior vice president and clinical operations officer. "He knows this health care community, works well with our physician partners, and has had an impressive track record as a Legacy executive."
The new hospital remains on track to open in mid-August 2005, said Huffman.
C-TRAN NOTES RIDERSHIP INCREASE
C-TRAN ridership increased in 2004 to more than seven million passenger trips, up 8.5 percent from 2001.
"Steady ridership growth is a very positive sign," said C-TRAN executive director Lynne Griffith. "Service reductions that occurred in 2000 resulted in C-TRAN losing over one million passenger trips, but we've seen a continual return of riders as the public has had time to adjust."
Some of the ridership increase came from special event transportation that C-TRAN provides, such as the Fourth of July celebration in Vancouver and the Clark County Fair.
C-TRAN spokesman Scott Patterson said ridership by Clark College students is also up.
Patterson said some disabled riders have been moved from C-VAN curb-to-curb service to regular C-TRAN bus service which saves C-TRAN resources.
Reductions in the C-TRAN service boundary will be considered at a public meeting on Tues., March 29, 6:30 p.m., at Foster Auditorium at Clark College, 1800 E McLoughlin Blvd., Vancouver
Patterson can be reached at 696-4494.
EDITORIAL:
A PERFECT EXAMPLE
By a margin of 27 ballots, voters in the Vancouver Urban Growth area approved a tax for parks maintenance last month.
That is, 12,588 people who favored the new tax imposed the tax on 12,561 who were opposed.
This is a clear example of why a simple majority should not decide tax issues. It is unfair.
Under current state law, most tax issues must be approved by 60 percent of those voting. That's a good principle of government. If a strong majority favors a new tax, they should be able to force their will on a reluctant minority, say 60% to 40%. Maybe even 55% to 45%.
But 50% plus one voter, or in this case, 50% plus 14 voters, should not be able to impose a tax on the opposing 50% minus 13 voters. It's simply not right.
State law allows the creation of a metropolitan park district with a simple majority vote. Once formed the district has taxing authority. In this case, the county commissioners cleared up uncertainties by stating their intention to levy a 27 cent property tax if creation of the district were approved. In actuality, the amount of the tax culd be changed later.
Non-monetary issues are not the same. A governor can be elected, for example, with a vote of 50% plus one. Even less than 50% is sufficient in three-way races. Presidents Truman, Kennedy, Nixon, Clinton (twice) and Bush 2 did not receive even 50 percent of the popular vote. Abraham Lincoln was elected with 39.9 percent of the popular vote.
When an official takes office with less than 50% of the vote, issues often head to court. The Florida debacle of 2000 and the latest Washington governor's race are examples of that.
But money matters should be handled differently. More than 50% plus 1 should be needed to encumber an unwilling 50% minus 1. Whether the number should be 60 percent or something else can be debated. But it should be a strong majority that evidences a compelling social need.
Marvin F. Case
NEWS
NATIONAL FOREST GEARS FOR ST. HELENS' 25TH
"Reflection and Renewal" is the theme for events commemorating the 25th anniversary of the eruption of Mt. St. Helens in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest.
Forest spokesman Tom Knappenberger said a community group has been working on plans for the anniversary.
Events planned so far include a series of seminars at Washington State University Vancouver, a symposium with eyewitness survivors, an event hosted by Weyerhaeuser at the Forest Learning Center on May 18, a lecture by poet Gary Snyder, and an open house at the U.S. Geological Survey Volcano Observatory in Vancouver on Mary 21.
May 18 will be a free day at the Monument in remembrance of events in 1980. No fees will be charged, with the exception of climbing fees. Visitors centers will be free as well.
Facilities and trailheads closed last year due to volcanic activity may reopen this year.
The Coldwater Ridge visitor center is currently open Thurs.-Mon., 10 a.m.-4 p.m., and will change to summer hours in May.
The Johnston Ridge Observatory located five miles from the crater is presently closed, as is SR 504 at its junction with Coldwater Ridge Visitor Center.
The Forest Service has established a webpage with information about the volcano and anniversary events. The special anniversary webpage can be accessed via the forest website: www.fs.fed.us/gpnf
Information is available from Knappenberger, 891-5005.
PRESCHOOL SEEKS NEW HOME
The Columbia Kids Preschool needs a new home.
The kindergarten-first grade group currently meets at the First and Clark building in Battle Ground, moving there in 2002 from a Brush Prairie church.
The First and Clark building, owned by the Fort Vancouver Regional Library, has been sold to a church group.
Columbia Kids board chair Ingrid Dankmeyer said the search is on for a new location for the group's 17 children.
A space of at least 1,000 square feet is needed, said Dankmeyer, and is used Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-noon, plus two afternoons to 4 p.m.
The preschool currently pays $500 a month. Dankmeyer said the group is willing to pay a higher amount.
Virginia Triplett teaches the preschool-first grade programs. "Virginia is a community treasure who has taught the preschool's parents and teachers for 20 years," said Dankmeyer. "With Columbia Kids, parents are true partners in their child's learning. They know what goes on in the classroom because they are there."
Dankmeyer said the group prefers a location in the Battle Ground/Brush Prairie area, but would consider other locations. A kitchen is helpful, she said.
The school serves 45 families from Camas to Yacolt to Vancouver. The nonprofit school operates as a family cooperative.
"As a Battle Ground resident, I am very supportive of having a new library, but the building sale has left us high and dry in the middle of the school year," said Dankmeyer. "We are turning over every stone to find a home for our school."
Dankmeyer said church have been ideal locations. "We are asking anyone in the community who can help to please come forward."
In addition to preschool, Columbia Kids offers enrichment programs two afternoons a week.
Dankmeyer can be reached at 666-0661.
PACIFICORP OPENS CAMPGROUND RESERVATION LINE
Reservations can now be made at PacifiCorp's Cresap Bay and Cougar Camp parks along the North Fork of the Lewis River.
The company's reservation phone number is (503) 813-6666, and can be called weekdays 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Other PacifiCorp parks with campgrounds continue to be available on a first-come, first-served basis.
PacifiCorp operates nine parks along the three Lewis River reservoirs with 318 camping and 269 picnic sites, fresh water, free hot showers, swimming beaches, boat ramps, restrooms and RV stations.
The facilities extend from Merwin Park located about 10 miles east of Woodland, for about 40 miles upstream to Swift Camp.
Last fall, PacifiCorp reached an agreement with state and federal agencies, Indian tribes and community interest groups on new licensing requirements for the hydroelectric projects along the river. Among the measures, the settlement provides for over $20 million in improvements for recreation facilities. over the 50 year license period.
Improvements include parking, recreation equipment, new picnic shelters, replacement docks, new restrooms and some expansion of camping facilities. Trails are to be developed and some facilities are to be made accessible for the disabled.
Camping fees remained unchanged from last season. Fee at Cresap Bay, Cougar and Beaver Bay parks is $15 per night, and Swift Forest Campground is $12.
Merwin Park fee for group picnic sites remains at $15 plus extra vehicle parking.
A parking fee of $3 is collected Memorial Day weekend through Sept. 15, Fridays through Sundays and holidays at day-use parks. The fee at Merwin Park is $1. $20 parking passes for the summer season are available at Jack's Restaurant, Woodland Information Center, and elsewhere.
Alcohol is now allowed in PacifiCorp parks.
Information about hours of operation at various parks, fees and other matters is available by calling (503) 813-6666.
BG SCHOOL BOND BOOKLET CORRECTED
An informational publication mailed last week by the Battle Ground School District and pertaining to the upcoming March 8 bond election contained an error.
The booklet described Bond Package B as raising $1,949,000 and qualifying for $11.6 million in state match.
In fact, local funds raised by Bond Package B would be $19.4 million. The state match was shown correctly.
Bond Package B, if approved by voters, would cost about 12 cents per $1,000 of assessed valuation, and could be approved only if Bond Package A also passes. Cost of Bond Package A is about $1.26 per thousand.
The Reflector prepared the bond informational booklet and regrets the error.
OBITS:
IAN STEFAN
Ian Taylor Stefan, newborn, died Feb. 24, 2005 in Vancouver.
Stefan was born Feb. 24, 2005, in Vancouver.
Stefan was preceded in death by sister Jessica Stefan in 2004. Survivors include parents Scott and Bethany Stefan, at home in Vancouver, sister Rebecca Stefan, at home, brothers Aaron Stefan and Ethan Stefan, both at home, grandparents Brian and Karen Stefan of Vancouver and David and Lorraine Ritola of Brush Prairie, and great-grandmother Mickey Stefan of Portland.
Graveside services will be held Thurs., March 3, 11 a.m., at Elim Cemetery, Brush Prairie, with Layne's Funeral Home, Battle Ground, in charge of arrangements.
OBITS:
ARVA DAVENPORT
Arva "Fern" (Snead) Davenport, 96, died Feb. 23, 2005 in Ridgefield.
Davenport was born June 30, 1908 in Hinsdale, MT. She was a Clark County resident for 80 years, the last nine in Ridgefield.
Davenport worked as a bookkeeper for an automotive and appliance business. She was a member of the Rebekkah Lodge and Federated Womens Club in Ridgefield.
Family members say she was a good cook and enjoyed sewing, needlework, crocheting, and crewel work. Davenport was a "busy lady" and an "excellent housekeeper."
Davenport was preceded in death by her husband, Arthur Davenport, in November 1988. She is survived by one son, Gene Davenport of Ridgefield, two grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Funeral services were held at Layne's Funeral Home Chapel of Battle Ground with Layne's in charge of arrangements.
THOMAS TAYLOR
Thomas "Tom" C. Taylor, 67, died Feb. 19, 2005 in rural Skamania County.
Taylor was born March 25, 1937 in Vancouver. He lived in Clark County his entire life, the last six months in Amboy.
Taylor was a Vietnam veteran who served in the U.S. Navy, and worked as a chemical transportation truck driver.
Taylor enjoyed reading, eating and having coffee with friends, cars, flying, fishing, hunting, being outdoors, diving and snorkeling. He was fond of his puppy, Marci.
Taylor is survived by daughter Julie Ahola of Brush Prairie, son Karl Taylor of Yacolt, brother David Taylor of Battle Ground, five grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
Funeral services were held with Layne's Funeral Home of Battle Ground in charge of arrangements.
Donations in Taylor's memory can be made to Volcano Rescue Team, P.O. Box 189, Yacolt, WA 98675.
OBITS:
H. B. "SONNY" JORDAN
Hunter Benjamin "Sonny" Jordan, 66, died Feb. 21, 2005, in Vancouver.
Jordan was born Jan. 25, 1939 in Washington, D.C., and lived in the Brush Prairie and Battle Ground areas for 55 years.
Jordan attended Battle Ground schools. He worked as a pot tender for Alcoa.
Jordan enjoyed the outdoors, horseback riding, and panning for gold. Most of all he enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and the rest of his family.
Jordan was preceded in death by brother Frank Jordan and sister Mary Graber. Survivors include son Dean Jordan of Toledo, daughters Lori Thorkildson of Brush Prairie and Dena Travis of Spokane, adopted brother Carl McArthur of Brush Prairie, brothers-in-law Lawrence Graber and Earl Heroux, both of Vancouver, sister Francis Heroux Bark